Key Development

Nearly two weeks after a tragic food poisoning incident during Bonalu celebrations in Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad, one family member remains under treatment while nine others, including four children, have recovered. The incident claimed the life of an RTC employee who had consumed stale meat, ie.  boti (goat intestines) that were stored in the refrigerator for over three days.

Improper Cleaning and Storage Suspected

Health and food safety officials believe the meat was not cleaned properly before cooking. They suspect it contained traces of faecal matter, leading to bacterial contamination, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli). The long storage period under improper refrigeration likely contributed to the contamination. “There’s a huge demand for meat during Bonalu. Often, people store large quantities without cleaning it thoroughly or following hygienic handling practices,” said an official from the District Medical and Health Office (DMHO), Rangareddy. “In this case, cross-contamination and poor hygiene likely made the food unsafe.”

Leftovers Discarded Before Testing; Lab Results Awaited

By the time health officials arrived, the leftover meat had already been discarded. As a result, direct food sampling was not possible. However, authorities are awaiting laboratory test results from the blood and stool samples of those affected to confirm the source of contamination.

Reheating May Not Eliminate All Bacteria in Large Meat Pieces

GHMC food safety officer B. Laxmikanth highlighted the risks associated with improperly storing meat. “If meat is cleaned thoroughly and frozen properly, it can last longer, just like frozen green peas or sweet corn. But most households use regular fridges, which are not ideal for storing raw or cooked meat for several days,” he said. Laxmikanth also cautioned that reheating doesn’t always make meat safe to eat. “Large chunks of meat don’t heat evenly. While the outer layers may be hot, the inside—especially near the bone—can still harbour harmful bacteria. That’s why it’s best to consume meat and meat-based dishes as soon as possible.”

Source: The Times of India